The dominoes of NFL free agent running backs are falling.
The Bears made their first big move on Monday, agreeing to a three-year contract with former Eagles forward D’Andre Swift worth $24 million with $15.3 million guaranteed. According to ESPN.
The Titans followed suit, agreeing to a similar three-year deal worth $24 million with former Cowboy Tony Pollard to replace free agent Derrick Henry. According to NFL Network.
Swift and Pollard are both considered to be in the second tier of running backs, and $8 million per season (slightly more than Swift) is a strong number for the pair.
The $8 million figure is sure to please top free agent running backs such as Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Henry, who are all waiting for payday in free agency.
Swift, 25, had the best year of his career with the Eagles last season after being acquired in a trade with the Lions.
The former Georgia product ran for a career-best 1,049 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games and had 39 catches for 214 yards and one touchdown.
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The Eagles didn’t use him as a receiver as much as the Lions did — Swift had at least 46 catches per season in Detroit — and the Bears will likely utilize that aspect more.
It’s clear that Swift once again has a leading role in a backfield that was led at various times by Donta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and Roshon Johnson last season.
Swift’s addition removes one of the three “serious” suitors ESPN listed for Barkley, along with the Chargers and Ravens.
Pollard, 26, heads to Tennessee after a somewhat disappointing first season as Dallas’ lead.
The Memphis native gained attention as a backup to Ezekiel Elliott, but in his first year as Dallas’ starter, he had just 1,005 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
He added 55 catches for 311 yards.
While these numbers look OK when added up, Pollard did not meet expectations.
He now joins second-year back Tyjay Spears in Tennessee’s backfield.
Barkley, Jacobs, Henry and Austin Ekeler remain the top free agent running backs, but there are now two fewer players who could potentially take their place.
